This is an all-suite ship. And how! The smallest, the Vista Suites, of which there are 32 on Decks 4 and 5, measure an ample 287 square ft. From there they range in size, starting with the Verandah Suites (the majority of the ship's passenger accommodations on Decks 5, 6, 7, and 8) at 345 square ft. The Medallion Suites (521 square ft.), Silver Suites (701 square ft.), Royal Suites (one at 1,312 square ft., another at 1,352 square ft.) and the Grand Suites (one at 1,409 square ft., another at 1,435 square ft.) round out as impressive an array of accommodations as can be found at sea.
All but a handful of the units have balconies, although in some instances -- eight of the Vista Suites, for instance -- passengers share a common, narrow and unfurnished balcony. Suites 535 and 537, on Deck 5, are handicap accessible.
All of the rooms have walk-in closets, a sitting area with writing desk (and personalized stationery waiting arriving guests: "From the Suite of ..."), a dressing table with hair dryer and good lighting (a touch much appreciated by the ladies onboard), double basin vanity in Italian marble, full bathtub and separate shower, refrigerator (stocked with a bottle of wine, some beer and some soft drinks), an entertainment center with satellite-ready television and VCR unit (ship's library has a supply of tapes for viewing), and a safe. The bathroom amenities are by Bvlgari with Frette Italian linens. We found the towels -- thick and ribbed -- to be a little less absorbent than I would have wished.
The beds are convertible twin-to-queen size, with firm (but not too firm) mattresses and down pillows. Fresh fruit and flowers are always on the coffee table.
We were on Deck 9 which was nice as not a lot of traffic and very quiet. Cabin was nice, but not huge. The suite was a good size for 2. Shower temperature went from freezing to hot every few seconds....continue
